Extended School Year Services in Michigan - Michigan Education ...

Can a student’s ESY services be provided in a school’s optional summer school
program?
Yes. The summer school setting can offer meaningful opportunities for a student, as well as
provide frequent practice for the maintenance of skills. However, ESY services must be
tailored to the unique needs of each student and cannot be based solely on the availability
of services during the summer. The IEP should provide detailed justification of how a
summer school program would address the student’s unique educational needs.
It is recommended that special education personnel collaborate with summer school staff,
informing them of appropriate modifications and accommodations based on the student’s
needs. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a school cannot discriminate
against a student with a disability in any program and/or activity offered by that school.
Section 5. Frequently Asked Questions about Extended School Year
Can students with disabilities who have been placed by their parents in private
schools be considered for ESY services?
Yes. Determinations regarding services to be provided, including types and amounts of
services, and which students will be served, are made by a consultation between
representatives of public agencies and representatives of students enrolled by their parents
in private schools.
How does the least restrictive environment (LRE) relate to ESY services?
The requirements for placement in the LRE during the academic year apply to ESY services.
However, a school is not required to create new programs as a means of providing ESY
services to students with disabilities in integrated settings if the school does not provide
services at that time for its students without disabilities.
Similarly, a school is not prohibited from providing ESY services to a student with a
disability in a non-educational setting if the student’s IEP Team determines that the student
could receive necessary ESY services in that setting. The IEP Team should consider a
flexible service model that takes the individualized needs of the student into account.
Are all students with disabilities required to have ESY services?
No. A student and/or his/her guardian(s) have the right to refuse ESY services in the event
that they are offered. Likewise, a student and/or his/her guardian(s) have the right to
appeal the decision of the IEP Team in the event that ESY services are not offered.
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Draft: October 24, 2007